GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 16TH JUNE 2016
THURSDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: Sirach 48:1-14
PSALM: Psalm 97:1-7
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:7-15
THEME: TO FORGIVE IS TO RELEASE
The largest and most populated prison in the world is unforgiveness. The inmates of this prison go through a lot of turmoil physiologically, psychologically and spiritually. For example, it has been scientifically proven that some of the effects of staying in the prison of unforgiveness for a long period of time are hypertension, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, insomnia etc. Some inmates also suffer from psychotic complications. However, the most painful aspect of the predicaments of prisoners of unforgiveness is that they have the sentence of eternal death written on their foreheads.
Continuing with his sermon on the mount, Jesus in today’s Gospel text focusses on the subject of prayer. He teaches the crowd the “Our Father”. An important theme that stands out in that prayer is forgiveness: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Mt. 6:12).
Jesus elaborates on this theme by telling his audience, “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Mt. 6:14-15).
In choosing not to forgive someone, one chooses to stay trapped in a jail of bitterness. Whenever you tell someone I will not forgive you, at that instant you bolt the gates of your prison. And whenever you choose to forgive, you release yourself from the shackles of that prison. There are many who are experiencing unanswered prayers simply because of unforgiveness. The reason is simple: Prisoners do not get what they want.
Yes forgiveness is difficult, especially when the pain is deep. However, to choose unforgiveness is to choose death for oneself. I came across a quote which says “unforgiveness is like taking poison and hoping the other guy dies”.
To forgive is to release and set oneself free from a spiritual prison. Choose forgiveness today. Choose to set yourself free.
Lord God, with the help of your grace, I choose to forgive all those who have brought me pain. In the name of Jesus, I forgive…(name of the person)… for the pain inflicted on me. I ask you to bless him (her). Amen.
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)